Description

Representing a man accused of throwing his wife overboard, chic attorney Lauren Hill begins to artfully present her case. But when Judge Howell seems to morph into God, Lauren’s life of infidelity, poor parenthood, and self-absorption is questioned by the Almighty, who charges Lauren with committing the seven deadly sins. But is this real or fantasy? Is Lauren on the edge of a nervous breakdown, or is God presiding and ultimately deciding Lauren’s fate? In Defense of Guilt is a gripping story of self-discovery, justice, and ultimately about love.

This is a great book for those who love legal thrillers of John Grisham, and Scott Turow.

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Guest Review by Laura

Imagine you could change your destiny with the bang of a gavel.

Lauren is a high-powered, beautiful, almost (but not quite) middle-aged attorney who has lived a life of dissolution and self-absorption. She hasn’t exactly been evil, but she hasn’t really been a very good woman either. She’s cheated, she’s been a bad mother, she’s broken every one of the seven deadly sins, she’s been narcissistic and has gotten very far living her life. Until one day it all goes wrong.

When Lauren is in court defending a client who has been accused of killing his wife, she has some type of hallucination (or IS IT a hallucination?) of the judge turning into the biggest judge of all—God. God lays all of Lauren’s sins at her feet while she struggles to work out if what she’s seeing is real or if she’s having some type of mental breakdown.

This book raises a lot of interesting questions for the reader. Questions like: How much difference is there between someone who breaks the law and someone who doesn’t, but skates by on smaller sins her whole life? What constitutes a fair trial in this case? How much does someone’s own personal morality or intelligence factor into society’s perception of guilt? And how should people who break social rules even be punished?

Though I might not be able to answer these questions in a review, I did find myself gripped by this novel and read it very quickly in one afternoon. I enjoyed the writing immensely, particularly the courtroom scenes which seemed to really be well researched. This author knows his stuff.

This novel gets five stars from me and two big thumbs up. I would love to read another one by this author any time!

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Praise for In Defense of Guilt

“Through edgy protagonist and defense attorney Lauren Hill, Berkley places us in the midst of a murder trial that could itself be the backbone of an exciting legal thriller – but the metaphysical twist that threatens to change the trial into Hill’s own Judgment Day takes In Defense of Guilt to the next level.”-Christopher Leibig, Author, Almost Mortal (2016 Indie Book Award)

“In Defense or Guilt is a fast-paced legal thriller with a spiritual twist. Benjamin Berkley has crafted a main character who fears no consequences until she goes on trial before the “ultimate arbiter.” She defends her client accused of murder while wrestling with her own demons of infidelity, greed and lust. Is salvation the light at the end of the tunnel? Well written and highly recommended. Congratulations to my fellow colleague for such a masterful first endeavor.”-Melanie Bragg, Author Crosstown Park, an Alex Stockton legal thriller

“With IN DEFENSE OF GUILT, Mr. Berkley has written a compellingly unconventional courtroom drama. This unique and fascinating story keeps the reader guessing from beginning to end, while offering an inspirational message that extends far beyond the guilt or innocence of the accused. A truly enjoyable read.”-John J. Jessop, Author of Deadly Pleasure and the Guardian Angel series

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About the Author

From as far back as he can remember, Benjamin Berkley has been fascinated by the law. Growing up in Long Beach, New York, his daily schedule revolved around grainy black-and-white reruns of Perry Mason who, with the help of Della Street, solved the most complicated crimes imaginable. It was therefore no surprise to his family and friends that Berkley chose law as his career path, now practicing for over forty years.

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Giveaway

This giveaway is for one print copy or ebook copy of the book. Print is available to the U.S. only but ebook is available worldwide. This giveaway ends on November 30, 2018 at midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.